Prevention: What Works?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has done extensive research on the behaviors and risk factors that increase the chances that someone will abuse drugs as well as the preventative measures that seem to be most effective at stopping people from abusing alcohol or other substances. Although the decision to lead a sober life or to abuse substances is ultimately an individual choice, parents, friends, family members, teachers, and other community members can help decrease the chances that a child, young adult, or adult will begin abusing substances. The principles below represent only a few examples of the results of NIDA’s research. Many specifically address children or young adults, but the principles may be applicable to other potential drug abusers.

• Risk factors for young children include failure in academics, dropping out of school, and displaying aggressive behaviors at a young age. Parents and teachers should emphasize communication, awareness of emotions, problem solving in social situations, discipline, and academic skills, particularly reading.
• Prevention for middle-school- through high-school-aged individuals should emphasize peer friendships, stress the importance of academic achievements, teach students how to say “no” and avoid drugs, and enhance communication skills.
• Children may exhibit risk factors as early as preschool. These include academic and social problems as well as aggressive behavior.
• Prevention works best when the message comes from more than one place. Teachers, parents, and community members can and should work together to provide a consistent message and reinforce it often.
• Students and young people who are on the right path and have demonstrated positive accomplishments should be recognized and rewarded; this can help motivate them to continue doing what they are doing.
• Drug abuse includes more than just abusing illegal substances; it includes using legal drugs inappropriately and underage use of legal substances as well. So misconceptions don’t develop, the message should be clear and consistent.
• Risk factors for drug abuse vary by the group’s age, sex, ethnicity, and other factors. Parents, educators, and community members should research and understand the risk factors that apply to a specific group and adjust the message accordingly to better help that population avoid substance abuse.
• Parents play an important role in substance abuse prevention by laying the foundation and reinforcing the message regularly. Parents should be very involved in and knowledgeable about the lives of their children. They should set clear rules and expectations; educate themselves about specific drugs, dangers, and symptoms of abuse; know the child’s friends and activities; make active attempts to bond with their child through communication, encouragement, and support; and periodically re-evaluate the effectiveness of their parenting behaviors and seek help if necessary.
• Intervening earlier is more effective than intervening later. The sooner you can help redirect a child or young adult’s path, the better.

If you are ready to take the first step and intervene in the life of an alcoholic or addict, we encourage you to contact us today. Having professional help in developing a plan can increase your chances of success.